Vitamins and Coenzymes Review

A comprehensive set of 75 flashcards covering vitamins, their functions, sources, and deficiencies.

Coenzymes

Small organic molecules that interact with enzymes to aid in their function.

Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

Helps convert carbohydrates into energy; found in pork, whole grains, legumes.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Functions as an antioxidant, aids in collagen formation and boosts immune function; sources include citrus fruits and broccoli.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Coenzyme in energy metabolism; supports skin and eye health; found in milk and yogurt.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Part of NAD/NADP for energy metabolism; supports skin and nervous system; sources include poultry and fish.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Part of Coenzyme A, essential for metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Involved in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis; sources include chicken and bananas.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Coenzyme in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins; found in eggs and nuts.

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Involved in DNA synthesis and cell division; sources include leafy greens and beans.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Works with folate in red blood cell formation; found in animal products.

Vitamin C deficiency

Results in poor wound healing, bleeding gums, bruises, and depression.

Riboflavin deficiency

Leads to inflammation of the mouth, tongue, and eye disorders.

Niacin deficiency

Manifests as dementia, diarrhea, and can lead to death.

Pantothenic Acid deficiency

Rarely occurs; commonly found in almost all foods.

Vitamin B6 deficiency

Can cause seizures, dermatitis, anemia, and confusion.

Biotin deficiency

Results in skin rash, hair loss, seizures, and mental delays.

Folate deficiency

Causes anemia, diarrhea, and neural tube defects.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Leads to anemia, nerve damage, paralysis, and potentially death.

Excessive Vitamin C

Can cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

Excessive Riboflavin

May result in bright yellow urine.

Excessive Niacin

Can cause skin flushing, itching, and liver damage at very high levels.

Excessive Vitamin B6

Results in damage to sensory nerves, tingling, and numbness.

Excessive Biotin

Can lead to elevated levels of certain nutrients and interfere with lab tests.

Excessive Folate

Masks vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially hiding anemia.

Excessive Vitamin B12

Can cause acne-like skin eruptions.

Collagen Formation

A process supported by Vitamin C, crucial for skin and tissue repair.

Antioxidant

A compound that prevents oxidative damage in the body; Vitamin C functions as one.

Energy Metabolism

The process of converting food into energy, supported by various B vitamins.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals in the nervous system; Vitamin B6 aids in their synthesis.

DNA Synthesis

The process of creating DNA molecules, supported by Folate.

Cell Division

The process through which cells replicate, essential for growth and repair, facilitated by Folate.

Coenzyme A

A coenzyme critical for the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Hemoglobin synthesis

The process of producing hemoglobin, which is supported by vitamin B6.

Sources of Vitamin C

Include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Sources of Thiamin

Include pork, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and enriched cereals.

Sources of Riboflavin

Include milk, yogurt, eggs, mushrooms, and lean meats.

Sources of Niacin

Include poultry, fish, peanuts, and fortified cereals.

Sources of Pantothenic Acid

Found in almost all foods, such as chicken and beef.

Sources of Vitamin B6

Include chicken, fish, potatoes, and fortified cereals.

Sources of Biotin

Found in eggs, nuts, seeds, and salmon.

Sources of Folate

Include leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and lentils.

Sources of Vitamin B12

Only found in animal foods such as meat, fish, and eggs.

Benefits of Vitamin Supplementation

May enhance nutrient intake and address deficiencies.

Hazards of Vitamin Supplementation

Can lead to toxicity and adverse health effects when taken in excess.

Metastasize

The process by which cancer spreads to other tissues.

Carcinogen

A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

Vitamin deficiencies

Lead to health problems such as anemia, nerve damage, and poor immune function.

Role of water-soluble vitamins

Essential for various metabolic processes and overall health.

Dietary sources of vitamins

Important for maintaining adequate vitamin levels and preventing deficiencies.

Water-soluble vitamins

Vitamins such as B and C that dissolve in water and are not stored in large amounts.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are stored in the body's fatty tissues.

Nutrient interactions

How different vitamins and minerals interact and affect each other's absorption.